Halfway Mark Reached in Neurological Foundation Chair

February 20 2012

Halfway Mark Reached in Neurological Foundation Chair in Neurosurgery Campaign

The campaign to fund the country’s first Chair in Neurosurgery has hit the halfway mark with more than $1.5 million raised in public donations since the campaign launched a month ago.

The Neurological Foundation, the campaign organiser, is thrilled by the incredible support shown by Otago and Southland communities, which has seen an average of $17,500 per day being posted in or banked directly.

“To have reached the halfway point in this campaign after only a month is remarkable and an indication of the wonderful support we have received from the Otago and Southland communities and elsewhere,” says Neurological Foundation Executive Director Max Ritchie.

“Now let’s ‘finish the job’ to ensure that this vital service remains in place forever.”

The Neurological Foundation Chair in Neurosurgery – a professorial position – will spend 50% of his or her time as a neurosurgeon at Dunedin Hospital serving Otago and Southland residents, and 50% on research and teaching.

Otago University Pro Vice-Chancellor, Health Sciences, Peter Crampton says he is excited by the campaign’s early success – particularly as the Chair in Neurosurgery is a crucial part of future-proofing the service not only for Otago and Southland – but the whole of the South Island.

"This is testament to the importance of the neurosurgical service to the people of Southland, Otago and the South Island. We now need to focus on keeping up the momentum."

The Neurological Foundation – in conjunction with the University of Otago –aims to raise $3 million in this public campaign to fund the position in perpetuity. The Foundation has undertaken the campaign with support from business partners, the Otago Daily Times, the Southland Times and the ANZ/National Bank.

So far, the campaign has secured major contributions from organisations including the Otago Community Trust, Basic Science Medical Trust, Ultimate Hikes, Perpetual Trust Ltd, the University of Otago and the Neurological Foundation, alongside generous individual and business donations.

On Saturday, Mitre 10 Mega Dunedin announced its plan to build a house in the store carpark, in association with Certified Builders. The house will be auctioned by Harcourts with all proceeds going to the campaign – giving assurance that the project will continue to build momentum in the coming months as the team work towards the $3 million goal.

Campaign manager Irene Mosley has been overwhelmed by the spirit and generosity of the community.

“As the campaign grows, the level of support –in both monetary giving and time and talents – continues to amaze me. I feel very privileged to be part of a project which has so many personal stories attached to the giving. The community has very clearly demonstrated its commitment to this project.”

Public donations can be made online at www.chairofneurosurgery.org.nz, or at any National Bank or ANZ branch.

ENDS

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